Online CE Roundup for September

September 3rd, 2010 by Shannon

Here is the September 2010 Online CE Roundup from the State Library Development Division and the Wyoming State Library. Directors of small and rural Libraries should take special note of the featured webinar for September.

 

PROGRAM ABSTRACTS & LOGIN INFORMATION:

OUR FEATURED WEBINAR FOR SEPTEMBER!
September 14, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
The Rural Library Trustee: Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships (WebJunction)
How do library trustees get trained? How are director and trustee roles defined to ensure a healthy library organization? How are trustee relationships cultivated both in and outside the library circle? Join us on September 14, 2 pm Eastern, for a webinar exploring these and other questions related to library trustees that will provide you with practical ideas and tactical strategies to support and advocate for your library organization as a trustee, or library director in a small or rural community.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp
  
September 7, 10:00 – 11:00 AM,Central Time 
Graphic Novels: A Gateway for Reluctant Readers (Texas State Library & Archives)
During this one hour webinar, Kyla Hunt, Library Services Consultant for the Texas State Library & Archives Commission, will talk about how reading graphic novels can help build literacy.  She will discuss how and why various types of comics appeal to different reader-groups, from wordless picture books for younger kids to manga for teens.  The webinar will end with discussion of program ideas designed to encourage readers to get excited about the world of comics, and eventually, the world of reading.
 
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/
 
September 7, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
Context, Focus and Quality in the Library Discovery Experience (Library Journal)
National Public Radio’s longest serving librarian, Kee Malesky, will lead a panel of librarians, including the Wyoming State Librarian, who are demonstrating to their communities of users that the library can provide a context, quality, and audience-focused discovery experience that is beyond what the search engines offer. These three very different institutions from across the country will discuss the strategy, technology, local content, and best practices they are developing to deliver a differentiated user experience.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://www.libraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/LJ/Tools/Webcast/index.csp
 
September 8, 9:00 – 10:30 AM, Central Time
Get out and REACH! Outreach Projects and Health Information (Nebraska Library Commission)
Hear from people who have successfully run outreach projects concerning health information. Build alliances, target future projects – a networking opportunity for people from public libraries, school libraries, public health departments, community and faith-based organizations. Ideas for discussion/funding/potential projects can be shared at http://outreachcamp.pbworks.com/.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/training/eventshow.asp?ProgID=9878
 
September 8, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
Love and Magic: Trends in Romance Fiction (Booklist)
Romance fiction is all about love and magic, from a bewitching first kiss to the paranormal realm of vampires, werewolves, and lovers from other worlds. Discover the many facets of this enchanting genre by joining us for a Booklist webinar generously sponsored by Sourcebooks, Inc. and BBC Audiobooks America.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63
 
September 9, 2:00 – 3:00 PM, Central Time
Finding Health and Wellness @ Your Library: A Consumer Health Toolkit for Library Staff (Infopeople)
This webinar will introduce users to the Finding Health and Wellness @ Your Library: A Consumer Health Toolkit for Library Staff and provide an orientation to the many multi-dimensional resources it contains, including core competencies, training resources, collection guidelines, programming ideas and promotional materials. The Toolkit is envisioned as a “living” resource that will evolve over time based on what we learn from its practical applications in the field.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/list 

September 14, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
The Rural Library Trustee: Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships (WebJunction)
How do library trustees get trained? How are director and trustee roles defined to ensure a healthy library organization? How are trustee relationships cultivated both in and outside the library circle? Join us on September 14, 2 pm Eastern, for a webinar exploring these and other questions related to library trustees that will provide you with practical ideas and tactical strategies to support and advocate for your library organization as a trustee, or library director in a small or rural community.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp
 
September 14, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
Using Technology to Move your Small/Rural Library Forward (WebJunction)
Feel overwhelmed with new technology? Not sure how your small or rural library can take advantage of new and not-so-new technology? Don’t feel you have time to keep up with keeping up? Then this webinar is for you. Presenters Robin Hastings, Information Technology Coordinator for the Missouri River Regional Library, and Maurice Coleman, Technical Trainer at Harford County Public Library, will discuss best practices for using technology to keep your library connected and up to date. They will also share some of the latest and greatest sites and technology best suited for a small or rural library. You’ll also receive some expert guidance to better evaluate and assess these tools for your library system and your customers, with a focus on small and rural library environments.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp
 
September 14, 2:00 – 3:00 PM,Central Time
Designing Customized Library Services: Book-a-Librarian and BookMatch (Infopeople)
Libraries are famous for their service, but it can be difficult to balance in-depth answers when time is always at a premium. This webinar provides two models for creating detailed patron service. Book-a-Librarian demonstrates a model for 1-on-1 detailed reference service, while BookMatch offers a method for crowdsourced readers’ advisory.

To register for this event, go to: http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/list

September 15, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Gear Up to Game! (Texas State Library & Archives)
Please join us for another Webinar Wednesday! Get Ready for Gaming Day! National Gaming Day will take place on November 13, 2010. In anticipation of this event, Kelly Czarnecki and Christine Bretz, librarians with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, will share their experiences with teen gaming in public libraries. Gaming as related to literacy and already familiar library services will be discussed. Participants will learn how to start offering gaming programs in their library, which will cover high and low tech options for large and small budgets.
 
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/
 
September 15, 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Central Time
SLJTeen Fall Announcements 2010 (School Library Journal)
 Looking at the feedback from SLJTeen’s young adult reviewers, it’s safe to say that there are tons of new and forthcoming titles that will be exciting, infuriating and captivating to teen readers in this season and next. Nothing brings these books to life like hearing directly from publisher representatives on the new genre trends and authors coming on to the scene, and what’s new from perennial favorites.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/SLJ/Technology/WebCasts/index.csp
 
September 16, 4:30 – 5:15 PM, Central Time
Database of the Month: Back to School (Wyoming State Library)
For Public and Schools-a review of tools for students (of all ages), teachers, and the library staff who work with them. We will look at resources for topic exploration and research, citation and bibliography, homework help, books and articles, activities and lesson plans.
 
To join the webinar, go to https://www.yugma.com/viewer/viewersignup.php?SessionID=305823442 The audio portion of the webinar will be presented through LeaderPhone. Dial 1-877-278-8686 and enter the PIN 315052 to join.
 
September 21, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
The Scoop on Series Nonfiction: What’s New for Fall (Booklist)
Series nonfiction publishers are offering more titles than ever this fall, and as they continue to expand into digital formats and approach the curriculum in new ways, it’s more challenging than ever to keep up. In this hourlong webinar moderated by Booklist Books for Youth associate editor Dan Kraus, we’ll hear from five of the top publishers in this booming field: Heinemann-Raintree; Gale, part of Cengage Learning; Weigl Publishers, Inc.; Black Rabbit Books; and Lerner Publishing Group. Besides presenting their biggest fall titles and initiatives, they’ll also give attendees up-to-date information on the latest trends.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63
 
September 22, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
Strategies for Implementing and Optimizing Self-Service: Librarians Share Their Success (Library Journal)
Join representatives from three leading libraries who have cost-effectively and successfully implemented self-service in this information-rich roundtable webinar. In today’s tough economy, many libraries rely on self-service to offset significant increases in circulation, severe budget cuts, and staff reductions. Are you prepared to effectively implement self-service in your library? Are you confident that you are realizing maximum value from your self-service investment?
 
To register for this event, go to: http://www.libraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/LJ/Tools/Webcast/index.csp
  
September 23, 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Central Time
SLJ Nonfiction Book Buzz 2010 (School Library Journal)
School Library Journal’s panel of nonfiction publishers will tell you how they strive to produce the most accurate and well-research core-related materials for grades K-12 while also keeping these titles attractive, easy to use, and accessible to a range of reading levels.? We’ll hear about series in science, social studies, biography, art, math, health, and more, most correlated to each state’s standards. Tune in for the buzz on new and forthcoming series nonfiction and get those gaps in your collection filled.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/SLJ/Technology/WebCasts/index.csp
 
September 28, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
Defending the Right to Read: Celebrating Banned Books Week (Booklist)
Librarians and teachers face more challenges than ever when it comes to defending children’s right to read. In celebration of Banned Books Week, this webinar features a stellar panel of experts, including renowned author and longtime advocate of intellectual freedom Judy Blume, discussing book rating systems, the impact of the Internet on challenges, the effect of censorship on children’s publishing, and how to best prepare for book challenges. 

To register for this event, go to: http://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63
 
September 28, 2:00 – 3:00 PM, Central Time
CitizenKid: Change can happen one kid at a time (School Library Journal)
Are you looking for a way to get your students thinking and talking about how they can make a difference in the world? Join Katie Smith Milway, author of One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference and The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough and Valerie Wyatt, author of How to Build Your Own Country, as they discuss how their books and others in the CitizenKid collection can inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens. School librarian Melissa Swenson will also be sharing her ideas on how to use the CitizenKid series of books in classrooms and libraries.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/SLJ/Technology/WebCasts/index.csp 
 
September 29, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Pro-Se and Librarians: Legal Self Help Options (Nebraska Library Commission)
Economic pressures and increasing availability of e-government services have increased citizen’s need for help in accessing and using these services. Despite funding cuts, public libraries are increasingly where people turn for help. Much of the need for e-government services relates to legal matters, especially pro-se (meaning representing oneself in court). Beth Goble and Laura Johnson, Nebraska Library Commission, and Julie Beno, Lincoln City Libraries, will discuss the types of questions librarians may encounter, what librarians can and cannot provide without “giving legal advice,” and how the Nebraska Court system works. They will highlight some resources available for helping patrons do their own “legal stuff” or find legal aid services in their area.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/training/eventshow.asp?ProgID=9897
 
September 29, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
mySkills, myFuture: A New Tool for Job Seekers (WebJunction)
As part of the ongoing collaboration between IMLS and the Employment & Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL/ETA), WebJunction is hosting this ETA presentation on the new job-seeking tool, mySkills, myFuture. Coming in September, this free online tool will enable job seekers to increase their career mobility and economic prospects. Specifically, the self-paced tool will help previously employed to (1) use their previous experience to identify occupations that they might be qualified for; (2) identify the skills s/he needs to acquire to qualify for a specific job; (3) identify education or training institutions where these skills can be obtained; and (4) provide links to relevant job opportunities in national and state job banks. Libraries will want to add mySkills, myFuture to their resources to help job-seeking patrons in their community.
 
To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

Learning Express Webinars will be Offered this Fall

August 25th, 2010 by Shannon

Learning Express will be offering four webinars to the Kansas library community this fall. If you haven’t looked at these extraordinary resources brought to Kansas library users by the State Library, please click on the Learning Express icon on the homepage of the State Library of Kansas website.

 

Each of the Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, and information your library users need to achieve the results they want – at school, at work, or in life.

Job & Career Accelerator™ combines everything your library users need for a successful job search into one innovative and easy-to-use job-hunting system.

Webinars on the Learning Express Library will be posted on Thursday, September 23 at 2:00 Central Time and Thursday, September 30 at 2:00 Central Time.

Webinars on the Job and Career Accelerator will be posted on Tuesday, September 28 at 2:00 PM Central Time and Tuesday, October 5 at 2:00 PM Central Time.

Registration is required for these webinars. Registration may be completed at the following link:

https://learningexpress.webex.com/learningexpress/onstage/g.php?p=9&t=m

When you register, you will need to either change the time zone to Chicago time or remember that the program times are posted in Eastern Time and translate back to Central.

Upon registration, participants will receive notification that once their registration is processed, they will receive an email confirmation with detailed instructions on how to join the webinar. Participants should register at least 24-hours prior to the event to ensure that they receive the email confirmation & instructions in a timely fashion. All participants should join the meeting online and phone into the teleconference 15-minutes before the start time. There are 4 sessions in this series — each will begin promptly at 2:00 PM Central time, 3:00 PM Eastern time.

The Kansas webinars will be recorded and the links posted later for on-demand viewing.

Also, If the scheduling of these four webinars does not meet your needs, you should be aware that Learning Express offers these webinars on a standing Wednesday schedule. You may access registration for upcoming Wednesday webinars at the following link:

http://www.learningexpressllc.com/support/webinars/home.cfm

If you have questions or concerns about this project, please send email to shanroy@kslib.info

 

 

Fall Training will be Offered on Gale Databases

August 24th, 2010 by Shannon

The State Library of Kansas will again be partnering with Gale/Cengage Learning to offer special training webinars on the resources available through the Gale databases. These one-hour training sessions will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays according to the schedule below.

More detailed information on each of these webinars is available in Kansas Proposed Webinars

Log-in information for all of these webinars is available in the webinar set up

GALE DATABASE TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR KANSAS LIBRARIES

Tuesday, September, 14th 10:00 AM CST – Gale In-Context Resources

Thursday, September 16th 2:00 PM CST – Gale In-Context Resources

There will be two webinars on Gale In-Context Resources. This program will offer information on new material in the databases and how the In Context Resources have advanced beyond the Gale Learning Resource Centers.

Thursday, October 14th 10:00 AM CST -  Research for Media Specialists

This program is designed to assist school media specialists in using these resources to help students and teachers in their schools.

Thursday, October 14th, 2:00 PM CST -  Research for Academic Librarians

This program is designed to help academic librarians and library staff work with students and faculty at their institutions.

Tuesday, October 19th 10:00 AM CST – Research for Public Librarians

This program is designed to help public librarians use these resources to work with the information needs of library users in their communities.

Tuesday, October 19th 2:00 PM CST – Power Searching

This program will help Gale database users search and cross-search these resources more effectively.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Shannon Roy at shanroy@kslib.info

 

Online CE Roundup – August

August 10th, 2010 by Shannon

Here is the August Online CE Roundup from the State Library Development Division and the Wyoming State Library

August 10, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time
Selecting and Recommending Inspirational Fiction (Booklist)

Inspirational and Christian fiction are tremendously popular genres, but what sort of books are found beneath the arc of these broad terms? For a lively overview of the rich inspirational spectrum, a look at the latest trends, and scoops on forthcoming titles, join the informative and, yes, inspiring webinar, “Selecting and Recommending Inspirational Fiction,” featuring reference librarian and Booklist reviewer Lynne Welch, Booklist associate editor Donna Seaman, and representatives from Tyndale House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group, Abingdon Press Christian Fiction, and Thorndike Press, part of Gale Cengage.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63

August 11, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Best Practices in Library Fundraising (Texas State Library & Archives)

Library Strategies consultant and President of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, Peter Pearson, will present strategies for implementing a comprehensive fundraising program to support your library. Pearson’s program will be based on the successful activities of libraries and library organizations across the nation. Topics will include: cultivating individual donors, annual campaigns, corporate sponsorships, special events, planned giving and much more.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/

August 11, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Central Time
RSS: Feed Me (Nebraska Library Commission)

Keeping up will all of the new (such as blogs & twitter) along with the old (such as search results and news items) information resources can be difficult these days. However, with RSS you can receive “feeds” of new material from many different locations into one easy-to-use Web site or program. In this NCompass Live session, our Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will give an overview of why and how you can use RSS to receive timely information with a minimum of effort.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/training/eventshow.asp?ProgID=9829

August 11, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Central Time 
Tour GrantStation: Your Fast Track to Fundraising Resources (TechSoup)

Join Cynthia M. Adams for a free webinar that offers a short tour of the GrantStation <http://www.grantstation.com/> website. Learn how to use the tools that GrantStation provides to help you identify the right grantmaker for any program or project. If you’re interested in learning more about GrantStation before the TechSoup special offer on August 17 and 18, this tour will help you understand whether it’s the right tool for your organization and how to get started. The discounted GrantStation membership through TechSoup is only available to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/?q=events

August 11, 1:00 – 2:30 PM, Central Time 
Helping Job Seekers: Using Electronic Tools and Federal Resources (WebJunction)

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) invests in resources and services to support national and local workforce development needs. ETA staff will join us for a 90-minute webinar to provide an overview of the public workforce system and present the electronic tools most helpful to library staff who assist unemployed workers. Attendees will learn how to direct patrons to the right tools for their needs and to find local Workforce System partners. The presentation will also include an online tour of the O*NET System<http://online.onetcenter.org/>, CareerOneStop.org<http://www.careeronestop.org/> and America’s Service Locator<http://www.servicelocator.org/> and including Occupational Crosswalks, job search/resume preparation and State Job Banks and Labor Market Information.

To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

August 17, 3:00 – 3:30 PM, Central Time 
How to Make Your Library Entrepreneur-Friendly (WebJunction)

Part of the Libraries and Economic Development Series. The Business Special Interest Group (BSIG) from the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL), the Colorado State Library, and the Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) are pleased to offer a series of three free 30-minute webinars on Tuesday afternoons in August that will discuss how you can play a role in the economic development of your community.  During this first session with Christine Hamilton Pennell<http://growinglocaleconomies.com/about> you will: 1. Learn how important entrepreneurs and small businesses are to economic growth. 2. Hear case studies of several public libraries and librarians across the country that have developed successful initiatives to support local entrepreneurs. 3. Understand the traits and motivations of library staff who have successfully developed partnerships and service offerings with the local business community. 4. Identify specific steps your library can take to connect with and support your local business community.

To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

August 18, 9:00 – 10:00 AM, Central Time
Free Learning: Developing No Cost, Online Learning for Patrons and Staff (Georgia Public Library Service)

Jay Turner, maverick Training Manager of the Gwinnett (GA) Public Library (and current ALA Learning Round Table Board Member) knows that keeping library staff current and up-to-date when valuable r esources (time and money) are decreasing can be challenging but not impossible. He uses free and low cost authoring tools to create customized e-learning courses to meet his library’s specific learning needs. Attend this webinar and learn how you, too, might use these tools to your library’s advantage!

To register for this event, go to: http://georgialibraries.org/events/wed-web-series/free-learning-developing-no-cost-online-learning-patrons-and-staff-jay-turner < http:/georgialibraries.org/events/wed-web-series/free-learning-developing-no-cost-online-learning-patrons-and-staff-jay-turner%20>

August 18, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Advocacy for Libraries: In our Own Interest (SirsiDynix Institute)

As promised at the event on Capitol Hill in D.C. at ALA Annual 2010, SirsiDynix and Gale Cengage Learning present a webinar on advocating for libraries. Advocacy has two main goals -  to promote the library and to gain support, funding and endorsement of libraries’ roles in our communities and society. Stephen Abram has been involved in both internationally for his entire career. This session will explore both tried and true methods as well as some of the emerging strategies that are gaining traction. As the world of information and technology changes rapidly, it is even more critical that libraryland positions itself well for the future. Libraries matter.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/community/sirsidynix-institute/overview

August 18, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Fantasy Football, Flash Mobs, and Fanfiction: Pop Culture Programming in Your Library (Texas State Library & Archives)

Want to give your programming a spark and bring together patrons of all ages? Integrate pop culture into your library’s events! By using elements of the mainstream media in your programs, you can draw in new interests and invigorate your library. In this webinar, you’ll get step-by-step suggestions for creating pop culture programs for children, teens and adults. Get advice on adapting ideas from the book Pop Goes the Library! to suit your community, and discover the pitfalls to avoid in pop culture programming. Book clubs and storytimes are great–but let’s show the world that the library is for fun, too!

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/

August 18, 10:15 – 11:15 AM, Central Time
Tech Tips Training Series (Georgia Public Library Service)

The Tech Tips series at the Athens-Clarke County Library was created in 2009 to provide public and staff training on current s oftware, technology, and social media trends. Tech Tips sessions have included live, how-to demonstrations including Facebook, Adobe Photoshop, Skype, Twitter, Podcasting, YouTube, eBay, etc. as well as recorded sessions available for those unable to attend the face-to-face training sessions. Join Karen Douglas, Technical Trainer at the Athens-Clarke County Public Library as she describes various aspects of this highly successful program…. including finding trainers, scheduling sessions, necessary equipment, advertising and creating a video recording of the session.You’ll leave with an arsenal of tips for setting up your own version of “Tech Tips” in your library.

To register for this event, go to: http://georgialibraries.org/events/wed-web-series/tech-tips-training-series-karen-douglas

August 19, 11:00AM – 12:00 PM, Central Time
Database of the Month: NetLibrary (Wyoming State Library)

Your patrons have access to over 5000 unabridged, downloadable audiobooks free from the Netlibrary service.  Did you know that over 3000 of those are compatible with iPods? Or did you know that there are children’s and young adult titles available?  How about all the public domain eBooks to read online?  Learn more about Netlibrary with Desiree Saunders from the State Library.

To join the webinar, go to https://www.yugma.com/viewer/viewersignup.php?SessionID=305823442 The audio portion of the webinar will be presented through LeaderPhone. Dial 1-877-278-8686 and enter the PIN 315052 to join.

August 19, 2:00 – 3:00 PM, Central Time
Teen Book Buzz Fall 2010 (School Library Journal)

How do you satisfy the inexhaustible reading hunger of young adults and teens? Get them something new! Register for this Teen Book Buzz webcast and get the early word on the season’s biggest hits and forthcoming titles that you are just going to have to stock to keep those voracious teen readers happy.  Our participating publishers always make it entertaining to hear about their titles, and you’ll get the inside story on authors, read-alikes and next in series news. Get the buzz behind the big hits and find out what is in the YA pipeline for 2011!

To register for this event, go to: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/SLJ/Technology/WebCasts/index.csp

August 24, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Fantastic Fall Fiction for Youth (Booklist)

Temperatures may be starting to drop, but fall reading is hot! Autumn ushers in some of the most exciting youth fiction titles of the publishing season, and this free Booklist webinar will give you a head start on books to watch for from our sponsors, Egmont USA, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Albert Whitman and Company. Middle-school librarian Cindy Dobrez will offer tips on using fiction in library programs and getting kids hooked on reading. Join us for an hour that will get you ready for a new season of reading!

To register for this event, go to: http://www.booklistonline.com/GeneralInfo.aspx?id=63

August 24, 3:00 – 3:30 PM, Central Time 
Turning Your Databases into Business for Your Customers (WebJunction)

Part of the Libraries and Economic Development Series. The Business Special Interest Group (BSIG) from the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL), the Colorado State Library, and the Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) are pleased to offer a series of three free 30-minute webinars on Tuesday afternoons in August that will discuss how you can play a role in the economic development of your community. During this second session, Terry Zarsky and Kathleen Rainwater will help you: 1. Identify the best business databases for each type of business question. Databases to be covered include Reference USA, Business Decision, All-in-One (EBSCO’s, which includes Business Source, MasterFile, Regional Business News, Newspaper Source) and Business Plans Handbook. 2. Locate libraries near you that have business databases available for use. A handout will cover all Colorado libraries with a website.

To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

August 25, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Tech Talk with Michael Sauers (Nebraska Library Commission)

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library. There will also be plenty of time in each episode for you to ask your tech questions. So, bring your questions with you, or send them in ahead of time,<http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/mail/mail2staff.asp?Michael%20Sauers> and Michael will have your answers.

To register for this event, go to: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/training/eventshow.asp?ProgID=9706

August 25, 1:00 – 3:00PM, Central Time 
Digitization & Preservation Symposium (WebJunction)

WebJunction is hosting a two-hour symposium that will feature four presentations on current trends and practical approaches to library digitization and preservation projects. Our guest panelists will address: Designing a digital preservation system using a framework that includes all stakeholders, from library administrators to archivists to IT workers to vendors. The difference between access and preservation tools, and why we need to consider both. Harvesting social networking websites for preservation. The organizational “long-view” of preservation resources, technology, costs and policies.

To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

August 26, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Central Time
Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign (Texas State Library & Archives)

Capital campaigns are not rocket science but conducting a successful campaign involves many activities and a lot of hard work. Done well, conducting a successful campaign can go way beyond building a new library building – it can position your library for great fundraising into the future. Library Strategies consultant, Sue Hall, will lay out all the activities in a capital campaign – including the feasibility study, setting a campaign goal, recruiting campaign leadership, creating a compelling campaign case, soliciting major donors and all the campaign activities.

For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/webinars/

August 31, 3:00 – 3:30 PM, Central Time
Going to Your Customer – Outreach and Strategic Partnerships (WebJunction)

Part of the Libraries and Economic Development Series. The Business Special Interest Group (BSIG) from the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL), the Colorado State Library, and the Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) are pleased to offer a series of three free 30-minute webinars on Tuesday afternoons in August that will discuss how you can play a role in the economic development of your community. During this third session, Suzanne Kaller and Colbe Galston provide an overview and tips for how your library can: 1. Assist the business community it serves. 2. Create and implement a business outreach plan to a Chamber of Commerce, small business development center, community group or government entity.

To register for this event, go to: http://evanced.info/webjunction/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

State Library Monthly Report – August 2010

August 3rd, 2010 by Ruth

Library Development and Continuing Education:

• Library Development staff continue to work with system CE consultants to review and evaluate web-conferencing platforms. Task force recommendations will be submitted to the State Librarian by mid-August.
• WebJunction’s new site design will be adopted by WebJunction Kansas (WJ-KS) in early August.  New features of the design will help WJ-KS members find and navigate both new and popular content, courses and webinars.  http://ks.webjunction.org
• SLK News (http://statelibrary.mykansaslibrary.org/) will soon be featuring reviews of the 2010 Kansas Notable Books currently being prepared by Cindy Roupe and the Notable Books Committee.  Final reviews of the 2009 Notable Books were recently posted to SLK News.  Look for Notable Book and other book reviews on SLK News at http://statelibrary.mykansaslibrary.org/?cat=11.
• A new Online CE Roundup is published during the first week of each month.  Find the latest version at http://statelibrary.mykansaslibrary.org/?cat=75.
• The Library Development Division is currently developing an online webinar series focusing on trustee core skills related to the trustee certification program.  A second educational program, “Working with Your Library Board” is also in development and will combine online synchronous and self-paced learning opportunities for library directors.  Rollout of these programs is planned for winter 2010-2011.

Contact Cindi Hickey at chickey@kslib.info.

Communications:

• Kansas Puzzle:  project under way with White Mountain Puzzles, Jackson, NH.  Will be produced as 18 x 24 in., 550 piece puzzle.  1000 puzzles will be on hand by Nov. 1 for Christmas sales with various outlets including library gift shops.  Retail price will be $17.95.
• Get Your Geek On at the Library project under consideration.  OCLC will make presentation on this program to State Library and the Regional Library System Directors on Sept. 1. 

Contact Janie Rutherford at janier@kslib.info.

Kansas Center for the Book:

• Copies of the title for 2010 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, Up, Down, And Around by Katherine Ayres, will be shipped from publisher last week of August. Katherine Ayres has been contacted with offer for her visit to Kansas the week before Thanksgiving.
• Promotion for 2011 Kansas Reads…What Kansas Means To Me posters/bookmarks have arrived. Roy will meet more with Tom Averill to plan a schedule for him during promotion.
• Preparations are under way for the National Book Festival and six local events in September and October.
• Planning is under way for 2011 Letters About Literature and 2011 River of Words (ROW). Roy is preparing LAL promo and planning launch of ROW state program.
• The 2010 Kansas Notable Books List is being promoted with press releases, poster and bookmarks being printed to be shipped to all public libraries; medal ceremony Sept. 10; panel discussion Aug. 24 at Johnson Co. Library; authors being invited for Iola Reading Festival Sept. 18; and Osborne Book Festival Oct. 9.

Kansas 150

• Promotion of 150 Kansas Books for Kansas Sesquicentennial continued with several announcements in newspapers, newsletters, and on KPR; blog continues to KANLIB-L and KASL-L listserves; and references have been made to the KS 150 website. State agency KS 150 meeting to be held Aug. 3.

• The Gale Kansas history database has been delayed as Gale has not yet issued contracts for authors, but promised to get it done early in August.

LSTA

• Preparing Talking Books contracts for 2010.
• State Aid populations have been determined and delivered to business office.
• The next system automation grant contracts have been returned and signed. Payment early August.

Contact Roy Bird at royb@kslib.info

Resource Sharing Division:

Bill & Melinda Gates Opportunity Online Broadband Grant
• The Interim report is nearly complete. It will include changes to the use of funds that will strengthen the role of regional systems in broadband advocacy, education and training.
• E-rate coordinator Don Brown is gathering information to develop training strategies. He’ll work with Cindi Hickey on a one-day program combining E-rate training and awareness with a look at the impact of broadband at the community level.

KICNET ILL & KLC
• A two-day visit from Mary Jackson of Auto-Graphics helped us identify problems with Iluminar. Mary will spend the week of October 18-22 in Kansas, attending the KIC Council, and we hope to set up a meeting with regional system staff. Some short training videos may be produced.
• Mary has ideas for additional programming within AGent to simplify management of a floating collection.

E-rate
• Jeff, Don, and a small group of system representatives will be developing a template for tech plans, going beyond the scope of E-rate requirements.

Statewide databases
• New Gale content has been added to the Gale Common menu, AGent resources, and Explore our Resources. A-G and Learning Express are working out issues with a link that will work through Quova.

Contact Jeff Hixon at jeffh@kslib.info.

Blog Updates:

July Kansas 150 SLK blogs:
Brown v. Board of Education (contributor: Bill Sowers)
Amelia Earhart (contributor: Diana Weaver)

July Kansas Government Information blogs:
The State Library of Kansas (contributor: Kim Harp);
Beat the Heat! (contributor: Bill Sowers);
Have you registered to vote yet? (contributor: Kim Harp);
Kansas Wheat (contributor: Bill Sowers);
Kansas Lakes (contributor: Kim Harp)

2010 Notable Books are Announced

July 29th, 2010 by Shannon

State Librarian Joanne Budler and Roy Bird, Director of the Kansas Center for the Book (KCFB) at the State Library of Kansas, proudly announce the 2010 Kansas Notable Books List. Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s books and a graphic novel are on the list which contains some of the best books published by Kansans or about Kansas in 2009.

 

The Kansas Notable Books List is a project of KCFB and is an annual selection of 15 titles each year. The KCFB Notable Books committee identifies the titles and forwards a list to the State Librarian for a final decision. This year’s committee included representatives from academic and public libraries, booksellers, media, and previous honorees/authors. This is the fifth Kansas Notable Books List compiled by KCFB.

The Kansas Notable Book authors will be honored at a reception at 1:30 pm September 10, 2010 in the Old Supreme Court Room, 3rd Floor of the Capitol building.

The alphabetical list by title of the 2010 Kansas Notable Books follows:

Addie of the Flint Hills: A Prairie Child During the Depression by Adaline Sorace as told to Deborah Sorace Prutzman

The Blue Shoe: A Tale of Thievery, Villainy, Sorcery, and Shoes by Roderick Townley, illustrated by Mary GrandPre

Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford

The Evolution of Shadows by Jason Quinn Malott

Ghost Town by Richard W. Jennings

A Kansas Year by Mike Blair

Lisa’s Flying Electric Piano by Kevin Rabas, edited by Dennis Etzel, Jr.

Nothing Right: Short Stories by Antonya Nelson

One Kansas Farmer: A Kansas Number Book by Devin & Corey Scillian, illustrated by Doug Bowles

Our Boys: A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen by Joe Drape

Silver Shoes by Paul Miles Schneider

The Storm in the Barn written and illustrated by Matt Phelan

To the Stars: Kansas Poets of the Ad Astra Poetry Project edited and with commentary by Denise Low

Under Seige! Three Children at the Civil War Battle for Vicksburg by Andrea Warren

Years of Dust: The Story of the Dust Bowl by Albert Marrin

If you have questions about this project, please contact Cindy Roupe or Roy Bird at the State Library of Kansas.

State Library Monthly Report – July 2010

July 29th, 2010 by Ruth

Library Development and Continuing Education:

• State Library staff is working with interested representatives from the regional library systems to evaluate and compare web conferencing platforms for online meetings and training.  Four platforms are being investigated and recommendations from the team will be forwarded to Jo Budler and the regional system directors in late July or early August. 
• 23 Things Kansas by the Numbers – 391 registered participant blogs, 104 participants completed the entire program.  fLip Video Camera Winners:  Stephanie Fisher (Scott County Library), Ruby Martin (Lane County Library) and Charlene McGuire (Southwest Kansas Library System).  The lessons are still available on the 23 Things Kansas blog at http://www.23thingskansas.org/.
• Ethics for Libraries, the joint training project of the State Library and the regional library systems, was featured in Washington, D.C. at the Training Showcase presented by Learning Round Table (formerly CLENE).  Tom Taylor, continuing education consultant, represented the Kansas collaboration.  All webinars were archived and Pat Wagner’s overview was preserved in videos which are available on WebJunction Kansas at  http://ks.webjunction.org/742.
• The Summer Institute for School Librarians was held June 23-24 and attracted 90 school librarians from Kansas, Colorado and Missouri.   The theme, “New Tools for New Generations,” opened workshop-style discussions of viable teaching and learning innovations.  Read more about it on SLK News at http://statelibrary.mykansaslibrary.org/?p=8086.  Interested in Graphic Novels?  Find out what Institute attendees learned from the Cat at “The Art of Graphic Novels,” http://statelibrary.mykansaslibrary.org/?p=7976.
• The Online CE Roundup for July is available at http://statelibrary.mykansaslibrary.org/?p=8040.
• Find book reviews on SLK News at http://statelibrary.mykansaslibrary.org/?cat=11.  Contact Shannon Roy, shanroy@kslib.info if you would like to contribute a book review.

Contact Cindi Hickey @ chickey@kslib.info

 

Communications:

Kansas Reads One Book news release ready for distribution. Kansas Reads posters and bookmarks ready for print.

Kansas Center for the Book brochure revised and ready for printing.

2011 Notable Books List to be announced in July. Poster and bookmarks for Notable Books in planning stage.

Fall snapshot day project in full-swing. Listserv messages out; blog, toolkit, and logo have been updated for fall. Libraries may choose SnapShot Day during the week of Nov. 14-20. 

Talking Books brochure draft revised; to be reviewed at TB sub-regional meeting in July.

Library card campaign continues. Project will be expanded as school gets under way in the Fall.

Scheduled July 15 presentation to KLA council on SnapShot Day and Library Card project.

Puzzle: exploring the possibility of producing a Kansas puzzle. Artwork designed by SLK staff for 2011 Kansas Reads… poster. Puzzle would be produced and sold by various partners. 

Contact Janie Rutherford at janier@kslib.info.

 

Kansas Center for the Book:

• Copies of the title for 2010 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, Up, Down, And Around by Katherine Ayres, are being ordered for promotion to libraries and preschool agencies and organizations statewide. Katherine Ayres has agreed to the tentative agenda for her visit to Kansas the week before Thanksgiving.
• Promotion for 2011 Kansas Reads…What Kansas Means To Me, has begun and Roy is meeting with Tom Averill to discuss a couple ideas for other speakers and approaches to the one-book/one-state project.
• Preparations are under way for the National Book Festival and six local events in September and October.
• Planning is under way for 2011 Letters About Literature and 2011 River of Words (ROW). Roy got valuable info about ROW at the LC CFB Idea Exchange in DC. Roy and Rhonda will meet with past KS Poet Laureate Denise Low about her participation and ideas for ROW.
• The 2010 Kansas Notable Books List is nearly complete. Nancy Pickard has agreed to be guest speaker at the medal awards ceremony on September 10 at the Capitol building. Planning under way for posters/bookmarks, appearances by NB authors and a possible puzzle.

Kansas 150

• Promotion of 150 Kansas Books for Kansas Sesquicentennial continued, each new contact produces several submissions; over 150 titles submitted at this date.
• The Kansas 150 SLK blog is now being announced to school libraries listserv and system consultants list as well as KANLIB-L.
• The Gale Kansas history database invitation for topical essay authors has been accepted by four of the five authors. Contracts from Gale with the authors are expected in July.
• The State Library’s Kansas 150 website went live in June.

LSTA

• 2010 and 2011 FFY LSTA budgets have been discussed with Marc and Jo.
• State Aid populations are being compiled from the city, county, and township populations certified by the Division of Budget.
• The next system automation grant application has been received electronically after consultation during June.

Contact Roy Bird at royb@kslib.info

 

Resource Sharing Division:

Bill & Melinda Gates Opportunity Online Broadband Grant
• Advisory Council met July 14 in Topeka. Facilitator Nancy Bolt expects to have the first draft interim grant report completed in two weeks.
• The Council has agreed to continue meeting to develop a work plan for carrying out goals and objectives that will appear in the report.

KICNET ILL & KLC
• KICNET task force met June 9 in Salina. A revision of the KIC Council Membership Agreement that addresses recent developments (courier, Z-targets in KLC, etc.) is under way in GoogleDocs.
• Invitations, meeting schedule and agenda under development
• Issues with Iluminar, the public search interface for KLC, are under investigation by Auto-Graphics. Two A-G staff members visited several Kansas libraries to observe and document problems in May.
• The next list of libraries to be removed from our OCLC MARC record subscription (due to Z-target status in KLC) is being put together.

E-rate
• 149 technology plans covering the funding year beginning July 1, 2010 have been approved.
• 62 plans covering the three-year period beginning July 1, 2010 have been approved.
• E-rate Coordinator for Libraries Don Brown will visit SLK on July 22, to discuss redesigning the technology plan submission and approval process, a template for plans, and outreach and training to libraries and regional systems.

Statewide databases
• Contract with EBSCO for K-12 package plus Novelist expires July 31; we will replace with Gale K-12 package, plus Books & Authors, History Resource Center- US and World.
• Contract with OCLC for WorldCat statewide subscription will continue thanks to a partnership of academic and urban library contributors.

LearningExpress Library
• Statewide trial that began May 1 ends July 31. A one year subscription begins August 1.
• Kan-ed will make LearningExpress available through the Empowered Desktop portal.

Technology Issues / Projects
• Our new (and first fulltime) Network Specialist Roderick Cody is on board as of July 6.
• Exploring data migration options for the GoogleApps project
• Preliminary plans for migration from Windows XP to Windows 7, MS Office 2003 to 2010, and possible hardware replacement

Contact Jeff Hixon at jeffh@kslib.info.

 

Public Services Division:

In June, division staff worked on the following projects:
• State agency web site demonstrations
• State Library joined OCLC GAC LVIS (Libraries Very Interested in Sharing)
• Public library population statistics
• KSPACe
• Annex
• State aid

Contributions to:
• Kansas Center for the Book projects
• Kansas Government Information blog
• Kansas 150 blog

Contact Cindy Roupe at cindyr@kslib.info.

 

Technical Services:

– CATALOGING:  1072 items added to catalog in June

– KSPACe:  In June 802 titles were added to the Kansas State Government Documents Electronic Archive:  http://kspace.org/

– KANSAS GOVERNMENT INFORMATION BLOG (KGI):  4 June issues:  “The Child in the System,” “The Big 12 Conference,” “Cherokee County Cleanup” and “Chisholm and Great Wester Trails.”

– KANSAS 150 SLK BLOG:  3 June issues:  “The Great Flood of 1993,”  “Civil War Battle Sites” and “Vacation Kansas.”

– WEB PAGES ADDED:  Added 43 new web pages to kslib.info and kspace.org.

– STATE LIBRARY ANNEX VISITS:  Tech services staff were at the Annex almost every work day, reading shelves, retrieving 43 items requested, and cataloging the Kansas Newspaper Clippings files into the Library’s catalog.

Contact Bill Sowers at ksdocs@kslib.info.

Notable Book Review – Amelia Earhart

July 28th, 2010 by Shannon

Amelia Earhart: the Legend of the Lost Aviator.  New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008.
By Shelley Tanaka

 

More than seventy years after her disappearance, the heroism and mystery of Amelia Earhart continues to fascinate and intrigue people. In this latest biography about Kansas’s most famous female aviator, Shelley Tanaka brings together information about Earhart, historical photographs and facts about aviation to help bring Earhart and her boldness to life for young people. 

Not only does Tanaka create an accurate account of Earhart’s life, but she adds to the story of the famous aviator by including sidebars throughout the book that discuss aviation topics of interest to readers. Working with illustrator David Craig, Tanaka not only uses text to tell the story but also historic photographs and beautiful illustrations that are visually appealing to the eye.  The work ends with an epilogue that discusses the mystery and theories surrounding Earhart’s disappearance.

To round out the book, the author has included a bibliography of sources for further research and an index. Tanaka has written several historical-based works for children, and this latest creation should appeal to young people, especially those in the 3rd through 5th grade. This work is recommended for purchase by public and school libraries, and is relevant for the study of women, aviation, and Kansas history.

Notable Book – Burn

July 28th, 2010 by Shannon

Burn
By Kathleen Johnson

Reviewed by Barbara Stransky, Kansas City Kansas Community College Library, Kansas Notable Books Committee

Images of fire smolder throughout this slim volume of heartfelt poetry by Kathleen Johnson. Burn is divided into three sections, the verses of each relating to a different thematic interpretation of the glow of embers.
 
The first brief section describes the passion of relationships that end in ashes, and utilizes various descriptions of illumination and color to portray metaphors of fire. Johnson’s words bring the reader so close to the flames that the “shimmering” and “flickering” of the blaze can be felt through the poetic expression.

The second segment concentrates on the “glow” of family relationships as evidence of the warmth of fire.  At times this is a description of satisfying radiance and intimacy, but Johnson also expresses that this inferno may be painful as it reaches the scorching point. Her words imply that at times it is difficult to remain too close to these searing cinders, yet the fire cannot be totally extinguished within the hearts of those who have felt its heat.

The final portion focuses on the incandescence of familiar artists whose works burst into flames in the background of our lives, igniting imagination. Johnson alludes to the influences of a cast of artists from musicians like Santana to painters like Georgia O’Keefe.  As Johnson expresses the metaphor of this descriptive inferno: “That spark, that fire, makes life worthwhile….”

Notable Book – Kansas Opera Houses

July 28th, 2010 by Shannon

Kansas Opera Houses: Actors and Community Events, 1855-1925

by Jane Glotfelty Rhoads

Kansas Opera Houses: Actors and Community Events became a Kansas Notable Book partly because it tells a story that could have been lost and was well worth saving. The story starts before the Civil War and runs through the early 1920s, documenting an amazing variety of entertainment in a state that people often assume had no culture in its frontier days.

 

If one had to pick one word for this story, that word would be variety. Kansas opera houses ranged from the large and urban to the small and rural. The styles ranged through every kind of European baroque to a Shaker-like minimalism. Some are still standing today and are being used in a variety of ways, including theatre. Some died violently in fires and tornados. Most of them died of old age and were torn down as Kansas changed around them. They had their permanent influence on the churches, schools and community centers that replaced them.

The entertainment they housed varied as much as the buildings. Noisy revues, melodramas, minstrel shows, military pageants, operas and Shakespeare were presented, not in cultural ghettos, but on the same stages. Uncle Tom’s Cabin was presented more frequently than any other play. The opera houses were also used for a variety of community programs and celebrations.

The performers were local students, resident stock companies, and various kinds of traveling theatrical companies. A number of performers who were later nationally known, such as Buster Keaton and Millburn Stone, made appearances on Kansas stages early in their careers.

The author comments at the end of her story: “Bracketed between the Civil War and World War I was a period when the country was agrarian, when the world was often restricted to one’s immediate surroundings. Into this world came traveling theatrical troupes crisscrossing the country on newly laid rails. And into each community traveling peformers brought excitement, entertainment and a hint of the world outside the confines of the community.”

Kansas Opera Houses is a quick and easy read, beautifully illustrated with black and white photographs. The second half of the book contains community-by-community reference information that will be permanently valuable to social historians.

Jane Glotfelty Rhoads and her husband, photographer John Rhoads, deserve the thanks of all Kansans for telling this story and preserving its fascinating slice of Kansas history.